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This sequel to the original notice of the untimely passing of film music prep musician, Derrick Lefebvre (as initially published in the June Overture), is provided in order to expand on his contribution to the L.A. film music scene during his all-too-short career in the industry.

A native of Kokomo, Indiana, and a graduate of Butler University in Indianapolis, with degrees in both Music Education and Composition, Derrick — like a number of his eventual music industry colleagues — came to L.A. to study film music composition at USC. Continue reading →

Chris Cornell, the powerful, dynamic singer whose band Soundgarden was one of the architects of grunge music, died on May 17 in Detroit hours after the band performed in concert. He was 52. His death was ruled suicide.

Cornell was a modern innovator who transcends genre. He was the chief architect of the ‘90s grunge movement and remains one of the best rock voices of all time. Achieving multi-platinum success with three legendary bands – selling over 30 million records worldwide – he forged his own unique identity over three decades as a Grammy award-winning, Golden Globe nominated singer, songwriter, guitarist, composer and lyricist. Continue reading →

He lived to entertain and laugh. He was successful at both. Dave Pell, legend with the saxophone and an innovative voice of the West Coast Jazz movement has passed away at the age of 92. Continue reading →

Derrick Adam Lefebvre, of Los Angeles, California, passed away April 17, 2017, at the Ronald Reagan Medical Center in L.A. He was born Aug. 24, 1974 in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of Larry and Sandy (Summers) Lefebvre. Derrick was a 1992 graduate of Kokomo High School where he was president of his senior class, a member of the high school marching band, concert band, and jazz band, and German club. He was also a member of the Kokomo swim team. Derrick graduated from Butler University in Indianapolis in 1996. He was a member of the Butler Symphony, Butler Wind Ensemble, and his favorite, the JCFA Composers Orchestra. He was also a member of the Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity, Alpha Beta Chapter. In Los Angeles, Derrick worked as a composer and proofreader at JoAnn Kane Music Service. Continue reading →

Most musicians knew John Setar to be fine studio, stage, and casual musician (flute, clarinet, and sax), contractor, leader, and union member/committee member. Dad might have cited his television work with Mike Post and Pete Carpenter, the Steve Allen Westinghouse Show, and his work on the “Gravy Waltz” recording (which won the 1964 Grammy Award for Best Original Jazz Composition) as the highlights of his extensive career. However, we prefer to focus on our father as the kind, generous, self-made man who enriched the lives of those around him. Continue reading →

Lyle Ritz, 87, Los Angeles studio bassist and ukulele legend, a resident of Portland, died peacefully, March 3, 2017. He was best known as an acoustic bass player for the legendary Los Angeles studio group, the Wrecking Crew. He was also known for his groundbreaking recordings and passion for a much smaller instrument, the ukulele.

Lyle is survived by his wife of 40 years, Geri Ritz; his daughter, Emily Ritz Miyasato; and adoptive son, Thomas Ritz. Thomas Ritz has two daughters, Lauren and Jenna Ritz. Lyle was predeceased by his beloved son-in-law, Jared Miyasato.

Elvin Lloyd Myers Jr., 68 of La Verne, California, died March 1, 2017. He was born in Texas, the only child of Elvin and Mildred Rogers Myers. He attended Brown Military Academy in San Diego and graduated from Montclair High School. He studied home building and remodeling at Cal Poly Pomona university, and other subjects at Mt. San Antonio College, Yale University, and Citrus College. Elvin Lloyd was a gifted musician, licensed general contractor, beloved dance instructor, great friend to many, beloved family member, and a loving son. Continue reading →